Memorial Day, A Day of Thanksgiving

I woke this morning still feeling a bit negative from the recent interaction I had with my son. My negativity stemmed from the fact that it is not fun for me to have to remind him to put his things away so that the cat won't swallow them, become ill, and need expensive surgery to have the item surgically removed by a vet.

I became a full time "Bonus Parent" (commonly referred to as a step-parent)three years ago. I always dreamed of having a family. My husband truly is my dream come true and I my son is everything I have hoped for in a child. He is a responsible, funny, thoughtful, respectful, talented child.

Despite knowing I have all I ever wanted, I sometimes yearn for the carefree days when I was dating my husband and we had more time to ourselves to pursue grown-up adventures and days out "on the town".

I also remember the days in the not-so-distant past when I could play my music loud and not worry about the lyrics. Now, if I like the beat of a song, yet I hear the lyrics aren't fit for an 11-year-old's ears, I turn the station.
I try to make good decisions for my son's sake and it stings a bit when I try to implement something important, like encouraging him to put his Silly Bandz out of our cat's reach, and I am treated like I'm a pain in the...

I am working on changing my own negative attitude, so to be faced with a Little Someone's Negative attitude and to feel the need to respond positively in such a situation, I find myself falling short at times.

So here I am waking with a bit of a "bad attitude", so those of you following the blog know that within minutes of waking, I am back to Day One!

I think on this Memorial Day of all of those men and women who gave their lives or gave up time with their families for the sake of our country. My issues seem so trivial in comparison. So often, I ask forgiveness for my shortcomings. This is one of those times.

I give credit to my husband. He may sense my negativity, yet rather than stating any aggravation with me, he steps in and lends a hand in the most positive way. His extreme positive attitude of support and understanding in such circumstances always helps to move me from the dark chasm of negative despair to the bright glow of love and hope. He is an amazing husband and father.

So, I am disappointed in myself for being negative over what seems so trivial compared to the challenges that have faced so many of our American Military Heroes and their families both past and present. However, we are all human. I guess I am not the only mother to experience such feelings considering an article I read in the Carolina Parent May 2010 publication. The article on page 29 was titled: "Moving Beyond Mommy Burnout" and it mentioned 20 ways to refresh yourself with ideas ranging from a quick walk to a bubble bath.

It feels good to know I am not alone. I also know I am making a change.

While it seems to be a slow one......

some change in the positive direction

is better than

none.